Hammers still hold Parker hope

17 Jun 2011 10:33:00

David Gold says West Ham have not abandoned all hope of keeping star man Scott Parker, adding: "That will be an issue for Sam Allardyce."
The Hammers' player of the year is widely expected to move back to the Premier League this summer after the club were relegated, with Tottenham his likely destination.
But new manager Allardyce will return from holiday next week and one of his first tasks will be to speak to Parker and find out what the future holds for the 30-year-old England international.
"Until Sam gets back and speaks to him we haven't given up on the possibility that we can keep Scott Parker," co-chairman David Gold told Sky Sports News. "That will be an issue for Sam. He will be back in the office on Monday and I guess that's when the hard work starts."
If Parker does move on, Allardyce has a ready-made replacement in midfield in the shape of Kevin Nolan.
The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to link up with his old Bolton boss after leaving Newcastle for a fee of around £4million.
And Gold feels his club have pulled off a major coup in landing a player who scored 12 top-flight goals last term.
"He is a quality, quality player," added Gold. "The relationship between him and Sam is very important. He's captaincy material, he's got that determination, will and desire to win which Sam has and the owners have.
"I know the fans are delighted, it's an absolute coup for West Ham.
"If we were still in the Premier League you would expect West Ham to be pursuing a player of his quality so to be in the Championship and persuade a great player to come to us...this is the player we can build our squad around, an iconic player."